By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 139 pages
of 139
German variation of Katherine
"pure"
The hurricane blew this one out of the realm of possibility.
Spelling variation of Bryson
Writer Bill Bryson may have played some role in popularizing this surname-name, which might be considered a latter-day Brian (or Bryan). We prefer Bryson.
Spelling variation of Cameron, Scottish
"crooked nose"
Cameron is starting to fall slightly since its peak in the early 2000s, but is still comfortably in the Top 100. The Camryn spelling has historically been more popular on the girls' side, though it…
Catalan variation of George
To the American ear, Jordi seems like a nickname for Jordan, which means this popular name from Catalonia could certainly cross cultures.
English, feminine variation of Charles
"free man"
A Caroline abbreviation that was wildly popular with Mom's generation...or Grandma's. At one time it was a name for baby girls born at Christmas . because of its association with Christmas carols.…
Spelling variation of Jordan
This alternative spelling of Jordan is more popular for girls, but also given to a significant minority of boys. For both genders, it reached its peak popularity in 2010, about a decade after the…
German variation of Claus, diminutive of Nicolas, Greek
"people of victory"
Two drawbacks: some unpleasant World War II associations, and the Santa clause.
Short form of Adelita, Spanish variation of Adelheid, German
"noble"
Alita is a girls' name threatening to break into the Top 1000. There are many possible sources of this name, but the most plausible is that it's a short form for the popular Spanish name Adelita, a…
Spanish variation of Annabel
"loving"
We like all forms of this name—Annabel, Anabel, Annabelle, Anabela, and Annabella—so you decide how elaborate you want to get. Actress Sela Ward chose the Anabella spelling.
Spelling variation of Damien
The least popular version of Damien in the Top 1000, this name still enjoyed a bit of a boost in 2013 -- it climbed 83 spots since 2012.
Spanish and Portuguese variation of Eleanor, from English, meaning unknown
This streamlined variation of Eleanor is common in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal itself, where it has ranked among the Top 3 baby girl names for over a decade. In…
Spelling variation of Lilliana
Spanish variation of Matthew
Mattheo is another way to say Matteo, one that gets you to either Matt or Theo
Spelling variation of Carson, English and Scottish
"son of the marsh dwellers"
The Y ending gives Carson a feminine spin. Carsyn is used for girls more than 70% of the time.
Bulgarian variation of Zechariah or Malay from Arabic
"the Lord has remembered; to shine"
A rare but on-trend unisex name with roots in Bulgarian and Malay.
Scottish variation of Isabel
"pledged to God"
The Scottish spelling of Isabel has a definite character of her own, the 'o' giving her an extra infusion of strength but also an element of confusion. How do you pronounce that? Answer: Exactly like…
American variation of Zara, Hebrew and Arabic
"blooming flower; God remembers"
Spelling variation of Kaylin
The family of Kaylin names includes a wide variety of spellings—Kaylen, Kaelyn, and Kaylynn are a few—that enjoy varying degrees of popularity. This particular spelling plays on a couple contemporary…
Spelling variation of Madison
With the ultra-popularity of Madison—currently ranked Number 15 for girls—it's inevitable that spelling deviations will make their way into the charts as well. Madyson joins this group of alternates,…
English variation of Molly, diminutive of Mary, Hebrew
"bitter"
An alternative to the no-longer-fresh Molly, the initial 'P' gives Polly a peppier sound, combining the cozy virtues of an old-timey name with the bounce of a barmaid. Associated with Tom Sawyer's…
